The Republic of Finland is one of the Nordic countries. The country is inhabited of people with unique charm and guts that themself are a genuine tourist attraction.

Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland - Learn to drive Santa Claus` reindeers!

2007-12-08

I dream about White Christmas song Bing Crosby for over 60 years ago. This dream can be mostly realized in the wilderness in Rovaniemi in Finland. It`s especially fun to drive reindeers. And even more: here its great opportunities for a wide range of winter activities. So take your time!

In addition to meeting Santa Claus himself you can try rackets, ice fishing, ice bathing, skiing, building snowmen, swimming in the ice water, taking snowmobile safaris, kick-sledding, dog sledding and the best of all: reindeer driving.

Who dare to drive a reindeer?
Untouched and wild, with a lot of snow in the winter season, Rovaniemi is the place for unique winter adventures. In Finland reindeers are an important part of the people’s culture. Go to Rovaniemi and meet Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. And of course Santa is with him.

As one of the Christmas songs is about, this reindeer has shiny nose. It`s like a light bulb, which Rudolf use to guide the sledge he pull. Not only the Santa Claus, but also the Sami people of Finland have used reindeers to pull their sledges for many years.

Can you control a reindeer? On thing is to clap a reindeer, another thing is to drive one. It’s quite different than riding or driving a horse. In Rovaniemi you can visit a local reindeer farm and learn to drive the reindeers. If you manage to demonstrate your driving skills, you will get a reindeer driving licence as a certificate. Then the big adventure begins: the sleigh bells are ringing, snow is twinkling in the moon shine, and with your proved driving skills you will be able to drive around in the winter wonderland by Rudolf’s help. Perhaps you would like to participate in a reindeer race too.

Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland. In the city you will find a colourful life, varied scenery, and genuine wilderness. Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland.

A good day-trip from Rovaniemi is a visit to Ranua with its zoo and to the Santa Park that gives you the opportunity to see Santa Claus in person. It’s especially recommended to those who still don't believe that he truly exists.

Santa Claus is the world`s most popular person, and he know quite well how to drive a sledge dragged by reindeers. That`s his most effecient transportation.

The gold fever drew many adventurers to the cold Rovaniemi at the beginning of the 1800s. Now a days is the biggest attraction the Santa himself. Santa Claus Village is located 8 km north of Rovaniemi and right on the Arctic Circle. Whether its winter or summer Santa likes to meet people, so don’t miss the chance to meet him.

There are also other great opportunities for winter activities in the region. Various arctic safari companies, many of which are on the west bank of the river in Rovaniemi, can arrange all sorts of snowy activities like snowmobile safaris and dog sledding.

There is a winter sport resort on the large hill Ounasvaara couple of kilometres from the centre. Arctic Golf Finland has a 9 hole golf course close to the skiing resort. Another opportunity for adventure is to swim at the frozen sea in a special suit. After that you can tine up your body and relax in a hot Sauna.

Something goes always on in the centre of Rovaniemi. If you like dancing in the streets to Soumi Rockia, you can just join the party.

Finland has a long tradition for using reindeers. The Sámi people in the north are much dependent of reindeer herdings for living. The winter is the hardest time for a reindeer. During the first months of the year, reindeer are herded and fed on winter pastures.

Based on information from the website Forrest.fi (www.forest.fi) and other sources from Finland, the Finnish reindeer herding area consists of Lapland and the northern and eastern parts of Oulu province. All in all its land area is 114,000 square kilometres, which is 36 percent of Finland’s land area. All Finnish citizens who live in this area are allowed to own reindeer. At the moment there are over 7,000 reindeer herders in Finland.

Have some great fun, and go to Rovaniemi for some reindeer action!

Stein Morten Lund, 8 December 2007

Additional information
At summertime you may hike on the marked routes around Ounasvaara's forests. Some of the rocky areas are ancient shores from the time of ice age. These are still visible. From the top of the hill you'll find a great view to the forests, hills and lakes.

Read other articles about Santa Claus, Rovaniemi, ancient sites, party life and more in Finland on our website www.TravelExplorations.com

More sources about Finland:www.forest.fi: forest.fi is a gateway to Finnish forests and forest sector. This website tell you about forest practises and the importance of forests for Finland.